Teenager attacked fireworks helpers after downing ‘amazing’ amount of vodka

A teenager who carried out unprovoked attacks on volunteers at Perth’s fireworks display had downed “an amazing” amount of alcohol, the city’s sheriff court heard.

Paul Townsley, 19, rained blows on the two Round Table volunteers after drinking up to 20 vodkas.

Townsley, of McCallum Court, Perth, admitted attacking Kyle Cockburn and Kevin Leith on Bonfire Night last year and was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.

He admitted punching Mr Leith several times on the head, and injuring and hospitalising Mr Cockburn by punching his body at the South Inch, Perth, where the display was being held.

Mr Leith suffered a burst nose and a swollen and blackened eye and he was taken to Perth Royal Infirmary for a check-up as a precaution.

Mr Cockburn was not injured.

Defence solicitor John McLaughlin told the court: “He is very ashamed of his attitude and conduct that night, fuelled by the amazing amount of alcohol he had taken.

“This offence has brought home to him that he cannot drink alcohol certainly not to that level. He is a young man who has made a huge error in the way he acted that night.”